Minister for Local Government, Rural Development & Co-operatives Tajul Islam said that every household and government and non-government organization should have its own septic tank for waste management in the capital. Sewerage lines should not be given directly to lakes or canals.
The Minister said this while addressing as the chief guest at 'Workshop on Safe Sewage Management: Our Things to Do' organized by Dhaka North City Corporation at Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday.
The minister said many infrastructures have been built in Dhaka city in violation of laws and regulations. 99 percent of the infrastructure in Dhaka city has been built in violation of the rules. Most of the houses in the capital do not have septic tanks. And since there is no septic tank, the sewerage line goes directly to the canal and lake. As a result, the water of canals and lakes becomes polluted and other animals including fish do not survive.
Saying that there is no opportunity to allow construction of any house without septic tank for waste management, the minister directed the RAJUK to be more careful about these matters before approving the design.
The chief guest further said that consumption has increased due to increase in purchasing power of people.
For that reason, the amount of garbage has increased. In the past, many necessities were given in a bag. Now a bag is provided with each item which makes the house dirtier. Naturally this garbage has become a challenge to bring in a management. And this challenge is not only in Bangladesh but also in other countries of the world. The government is working to address this challenge. The minister also mentioned that it is going to generate electricity from dirt very soon.
He said both the city corporations are working tirelessly to make the capital Dhaka a modern, beautiful and livable city. Many occupied canals have already been rescued. Work is underway to repair and re-excavate the canals to make them navigable. Many changes will take place in the city once the work is completed.
The minister said everyone must abide by the law. The law has made people civilized. The law is the same for everyone. There is no separate law for ministers-MPs, mayors and those in power. It will not happen if you give a discount to someone and catch someone. Change will surely come if the people in charge of the state perform their duties with courage.
UNICEF Country Representative Seldon Yate was the special guest at the event presided over by the Mayor of North City Corporation Atiqul Islam.
Earlier, the Local Government Minister visited various stalls related to the use of modern technology in waste management.
